Citizens interrogated traveling in own country

North country residents have mixed views — and strong opinions — about the value of traffic checkpoints routinely set up by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents assigned to monitor the American side of the U.S.-Canadian border.

Based on random interviews, several said they believe border checkpoints are necessary to keep illicit drugs, illegal immigrants and other unlawful activities out of the country.

However, many also said they’re concerned that too many law enforcement officials — including border patrol agents — unlawfully stretch their authority by using aggressive tactics when interrogating law-abiding citizens traveling in their own country.

Last week, Jessica A. Cooke, 21, Ogdensburg, was pulled over at a border checkpoint in Waddington by border patrol agents who wanted to search her car’s trunk. During an altercation that followed, Ms. Cooke allegedly was subdued with a stun gun.

The incident, which was captured on a cellphone video taken by Ms. Cooke, has prompted a spirited debate on social media sites. Ms. Cooke, a SUNY Canton criminal justice major who graduated Saturday, claims she was wrongfully assaulted and has threatened to file a lawsuit.

www.latenightinthemidlands.com

Several people said they believed both parties deserve some blame for the altercation: Ms. Cooke for provoking agents with an uncooperative attitude and the agents for using excessive force to restrain her.
“Michael Vara”
Several people said they believed both parties deserve some blame ????????? are you kidding me ?????
The CIA bring the drugs in the country
They then use the drugs as a reason to treat we the people like we are the criminals AND LETS NOT FORGET THE borders are wide open !!!!! It is not about drugs or illegals it is about you and I.
“end MV’S comeents”http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/news05/north-country-residents-have-mixed-views-on-us-border-patrol-checkpoints-20150515